Registrations open for 2016 Geraldton Toyota Endure Batavia Triathlon

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The 2016 Geraldton Toyota Endure Batavia Triathlon is shaping up to be a spectacle for viewers and participants alike, with several big name competitors already committing to slog it out on Geraldton’s spectacular shores.

Six professional triathletes have already signed up to pit themselves against the elements for the gruelling event on April 17.

Geraldton Triathlon Association Vice President Simon Teakle said it was a real coup to have professional athletes signed up.

"Having professionals sign up so early and having athletes of this calibre return to compete is an absolute compliment to the quality and importance of the Endure Batavia Triathlon,” Mr Teakle said.

“Geraldton Triathlon Club aims to grow the Geraldton Toyota Endure Batavia Triathlon to become the best prize money race in the state, currently is the third highest. And with this we get to showcase Geraldton as must see destination for the triathletes of Australia.”

Around 300 competitors are expected to participate, racing across the city’s azure seas with a 1.5km ocean swim, pedalling its colourful streets on a 44km bike ride and putting foot to pavement on a 10km run.

Competitors can choose to complete the full course, they can gather a team to compete in the long course, or they can sign up solo for a shorter course comprising a 750m ocean swim, 22km bike ride and 5km run.

Competitors in the long course will vie for a swag of cash prizes.

Geraldton Toyota General Manager Zane Clark said the business was proud and excited to support a valued community event that promoted participation and a healthy lifestyle.

“Triathlon is fast becoming the trend sport.  More people are becoming passionate in improving their health and well-being” Mr Clark said.

“Geraldton Toyota shares the same passionas the athletes who strive to achieve that “oh what a feeling!”

“As we approach our 25th anniversary, we couldn’t have thought of a better way to underline our support for a fantastic community event in the Endure Batavia Triathlon, and to assist the further growth of the event in becoming the States premier competition.”

Registrations open now open. For more information, visit the website: www.geraldtontriclub.com.au/endure-batavia-triathlon.aspx

Call to help save Point Moore beach cottages

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Homes at one of Geraldton’s most iconic locations are under threat, after the City of Greater Geraldton is considering the future of the 176 residences when the leases expire in 2028, at Point Moore’s historic beach cottage community.

In 2007 the WA Planning Commission deemed the area ‘unsuitable for permanent human habitation’ due to the risk of a severe inundation event impacting on human life.

This information only came to light for residents when 35 leases were renewed in 2014, prompting the Council to extend the leases for only 14 years instead of 21 years as always previously granted.

The Council commissioned independent consultants, M P Rogers and Associates, to undertake a Coastal Inundation Study of the Point Moore area to get a better understanding of coastal processes, including risks of erosion and inundation to the area.

On Wednesday 13 January 2016, the report: Point Moore Inundation and Coastal Processes Study, was presented to a meeting of Point Moore stakeholders; including the Friends of Point Moore Inc committee and members – an action group set up for members to work towards saving their homes – and representatives from the broader community.

The City invited feedback and comments by written submissions from all stakeholders and the broader community on the content and findings of the report.

Chairman of the Friends of Point Moore Inc, David Harrington, said the beach cottages have existed for more than 50 years, and many people would have fond memories of time spent either visiting or living there.

“We are hoping these people and others would be supportive of retaining this piece of Geraldton’s history. Now is the chance to help us save an iconic part of Geraldton – and our homes – by sending a submission on the inundation study to the City,” he said.

“The consultant told us the report didn’t represent a prediction for the future but just models for one potential – one in 500 year – event.”

Mr Harrington said mitigation strategies such as building up the sand dunes and planting vegetation was just one way to offset the possible threat of inundation.

“There are ways to address the perceived problem, and let’s face it, the cottages have survived for 50 years without incident when other parts of Geraldton have been inundated,” he said.

“However, we are working with the City Council to find a solution and would appreciate help from those who have good memories of the area; they may be your memories, but they are our homes!”

The City invites feedback and comments from stakeholders and broader community members on the content and findings of the report that is on the City’s website: http://www.cgg.wa.gov.au/consultations/

“Please help us save Point Moore beach cottages by sending a submission to the City of Greater Geraldton by 4pm on Wednesday 24 February 2016,” said Mr Harrington.

Online scam - onsalemarketdeals.com being investigated

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Do not to place orders with the website onsalemarketdeals.com as WA ScamNet investigates whether the website is fraudulent.

A WA couple paid more than $500 for a barbecue from the website about two weeks ago and were unable to contact the site about their purchase when it wasn’t delivered. 

Investigations have so far revealed a number of issues with the website including:

  • the site was recently registered (late December 2015) and has no established reputation;
  • the ABN used belongs to a company in Queensland, which appears to be unconnected;
  • the site claims to be shipping from Victoria but gives an address in South Australia;
  • the site uses a mobile number belonging to a NSW resident who claims to have no knowledge of or connection with the site;
  • the site has elements which are consistent with it being fake, such as slightly pixelated manufacturer logos and significant price reductions with free shipping included; and
  • a search of consumer review websites reveals claims of payment but non-receipt of goods by a number of customers.

WA ScamNet are making enquiries with Eastern States counterparts as well trying to shut this website down.

Read the full story on WA ScamNet, including tips on safely shopping online.

You can report scams to WA ScamNet via email or by calling 1300 30 40 54.

High school students urged to consider a school-based apprenticeship

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Thousands of young Australians starting or returning to senior secondary school are being reminded about the option of a school-based apprenticeship that can help prepare them for a career in a trade or other occupation. 

School-based apprenticeships combine hands-on industry experience and the opportunity to work towards a vocational qualification while completing the senior school certificate. 

The Chief Executive Officer of Group Training Australia (GTA), Jim Barron said a school-based apprenticeship can be an ideal way of combining senior school study with practical trade training. 

“It gives students a taste of what it may ultimately be like to pursue an apprenticeship or a trade career, and is a real choice for those who are not necessarily focused on university,” Mr Barron said. 

School-based apprenticeships are offered at many secondary schools across a range of subjects. 

Group training organisations around Australia employ about 14 per cent of all school-based apprentices. 

One of the advantages of starting through group training is that it provides much needed support at a time when school-based apprentices are juggling the simultaneous demands of the school curriculum, the training course and the workplace. 

This support is invaluable in assisting the apprentice to complete their senior secondary certificate and make a more seamless transition to a full time apprenticeship after leaving school. 

“It’s important that students commencing their senior years at school are made aware of the range of choices that are available to start down the path of a rewarding apprenticeship or vocational career,” Mr Barron said. 

“Increasingly, the choice of an apprenticeship is being seen as equivalent to a university education, where a priority on technical and trade skills is paramount. 

“A school-based apprenticeship helps to get students thinking about career and life choices and can help them stay engaged with school. 

“It’s a way of getting a head start in a career, commencing training and earning a wage, while completing the secondary school certificate. 

“I would strongly encourage students entering Year 11 or 12 to talk to their local group training organisation or school VET co-ordinator about the possibility of a school-based apprenticeship,” Mr Barron said.

National Landcare grants start to flow across the Northern Agricultural region

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The Australian Government welcomes today’s Northern Agricultural Region announcement that seven local groups will share in $52,691 in grants under the National Landcare Programme.

The Northern Agricultural Region’s projects include a range of activities that will support land managers and community groups to undertake on-ground land management to enhance community skills and knowledge in rehabilitation, restoration and conservation of the region’s animals and plants.

“National Landcare Programme funding is supporting local landcare networks and other community-based groups to help restore local ecosystems and protect natural assets so the local community can enjoy the long-term benefit of a healthy and livable environment,” Minister for the Environment Greg Hunt said.

“The Government is ensuring that funding is invested locally to deliver real change that is targeted on and off farm to safeguard productive capacity in the land for the future and to safeguard our environment,” Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, Barnaby Joyce said.

“This is crucial because farmers, landcarers and community groups know what works best for their properties, environment and their communities,” Mr Joyce said.

“Over the coming months, the Northern Agricultural Catchments Council will support local groups to carry out important on-ground works to address some of the crucial environmental issues facing the region,” the Federal Member for Durack, Ms Melissa Price said.

“The Northern Agricultural Catchments Council has a proven track record in managing projects that consistently deliver good environmental outcomes in the Northern Agricultural Region,” Ms Price said.

The Australian Government is investing $1 billion to help support better natural resource management across Australia through the National Landcare Programme. This includes more than $450 million directed in regional funding through to Australia’s 56 natural resource management organisations.

The Northern Agricultural Catchments Council’s announced funding is part of its commitment to invest over 20 per cent of its National Landcare Programme funding to help support local projects as well as other local community engagement activities.

For more information about the National Landcare Programme go to www.nrm.gov.au

Below is the full list of projects:

Guns and Drugs seized in raid

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Firearms and drugs were seized at a Mahomets Flats residence yesterday (Sunday 31 January), say Police, following the execution of a Misuse of Drugs Act search warrant.

Police say they located and seized 20.48 grams of Methylamphetamine, four Ecstasy tablets, LSD and two firearms.

Police allege a 46 year old male from Geraldton was in possession of the items.

He has been charged with:

  • 1 x Possess Prohibited Drug (Methylamphetamine) with intent to sell or supply
  • 2 x Possess Prohibited Drug
  • 2 x Possess Unlicencsed Firemarm
  • 1 x Possess Drug Paraphernalia

The male was refused bail and will attend Geraldton Magistrates Court. 

Approximately 20.48 grams Methylamphetamine 

31 LSD and Ecstasy tablets 

New edition of popular Inland to Ocean resource launched

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We often hear about the need for our children to connect with nature, and to gain an understanding and appreciation of their natural world – far away from their smartphones, computer screens and video games.

Fortunately, there are solutions, guides, resources and packages that can help with these goals – including … drum roll… NACC’s very own contribution – Inland to Ocean.

Primary schools across the Northern Agricultural Region have recently been provided with a new, free, and revamped version of the environmental education resource for their use.

Inland to Ocean is a workbook resource developed for primary schools in the Northern Agricultural Region, with a particular focus on educating Year 4-6 students about the environment.

The workbook approaches local environmental topics and engages young people to look after our natural assets from an early age, through fun, hands-on activities.

Ultimately, Inland to Ocean aims to promote environmental stewardship and the sustainable use of our natural resources.

“Inland to Ocean has been updated over the past year by Ingrid Jansen from the WordFarm and myself, to improve the content and quality of this workbook,” said NACC’s Social Science Research Officer Rolan Deutekom.

“Resources and activities have been simplified and local examples highlighted for students and teachers, and best of all, it fits with the Australian Education Curriculum.

“The package is straight-forward and teachers can easily identify a suitable activity that fits with curriculum requirements.”

The 2016 workbook edition is being released this week to coincide with the commencement of the 2016 school year, and already has many schools excited to use it.

Inland to Ocean is already being used as a helpful environmental resource in the region, and will be distributed electronically to a number of teachers this week.

For more information about the resource, or to get a hard copy, contact NACC on 9938 0100, or visit the Inland to Ocean website directly for your free download of the Inland to Ocean 2016 edition: http://inlandtoocean.com.au/ .

Agriculture and adaptation the hot topic for farming future Forum

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Undertaking agriculture in a warmer and drier landscape will be the subject of most interest to the participants at the inaugural Productive Farming Future Forum – being held in Coorow on 10 February 2016.

The forum program will feature a cross-section of leading scientists and innovative farmers discussing how a changing climate will impact agriculture in the Northern Agricultural Region.

The event, hosted by the Northern Agricultural Catchments Council (NACC), will also feature, as the forum’s keynote speaker, Major General The Honourable Michael Jeffery, who will present on the importance of maintaining soil health in the face of a changing climate.

Other speakers who are sure to attract considerable interest include Bureau of Meteorology’s Glen Cook, discussing changing weather patterns; University of Western Australia’s Theo Evans on how termites and ants can improve soil productivity, and a number of innovative farmers sharing their personal experiences of adapting to our changing conditions.

One of the landholder case studies, Stuart McAlpine, will discuss changes with his on-farm practices related to land use and productivity in changing conditions in the Northern Agricultural Region.

Event spokesperson and NACC Regional Landcare Facilitator Stanley Yokwe said: “We are privileged to bring some of our country’s outstanding speakers – including the keynote speaker and soil health advocate Major General The Honourable Michael Jeffery – to the region to participate in this forum.”

“It is important to share with members of our farming community practical and innovative experiences being developed and implemented by local farmers seeking productive and sustainable farming options for adapting to a changing climate in the region.

“Anecdotal evidence and research reports have confirmed that our region has become significantly drier and warmer over the past 40 years. The reports have clearly shown that our region is suffering from declining winter rainfall, heat stress and frost risk.

“These changes are creating great challenges for our farming community and indeed the entire agriculture sector, so it is important to have events like this forum to provide our landholders and industry people with more evidence-based information on the best available options to cope with the vagaries of climate change.”

From climate modelling to discussions about innovative ways to use non-productive land, the forum aims to provide farmers with positive options and solutions for climate adaptation.

The Productive Farming Future Forum will be held on Wednesday, 10 February 2016, at the Coorow District Hall, from 9.45am to 3.30pm.

The event is free, however registrations are essential for catering purposes.

To register, visit the Eventbrite link, or for more information about the event, please contact NACC’s Regional Landcare Facilitator at Stanley.Yokwe@nacc.com.au or call 9938 0105.

This forum is funded by the Australian Government’s NRM Planning for Climate Change Fund, the Australian Government’s National Landcare Programme, and the Western Australian Royalties for Regions. It is supported by the Mid West Science Engagement Group and Inspiring Australia.

Maintenance boost for Geraldton Schools

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Schools across Geraldton will be improved, with a major maintenance program announced today by the State Government.

Paul Brown MP said local schools would have ceilings inspected and upgraded if needed.

“Professional assessment of ceilings will be done at 11 Geraldton public schools, with repairs or replacement to follow if needed,” Mr Brown said.

“We are bringing in experts to carry out the assessments proactively to avoid problems in the future.”

The schools in Geraldton are:

Allendale Primary School
Beachlands Primary School
Bluff Point Primary School
Geraldton Camp School
Geraldton Primary School
Geraldton Senior College

John Willcock College
Mount Tarcoola Primary School
Rangeway Primary School
Waggrakine Primary School
Walkaway Primary School

 

The program is worth $15.66 million across the state, and includes:

  • assessment and remediation/replacement of classroom ceilings ($11.40 million);
  • repairs to paving and re-sealing of bitumen play areas ($3 million); and
  • replacement of cable pits and millboard containing asbestos ($1.26 million).

It is anticipated the works will be completed by mid this year.

For more information about school facilities see www.education.wa.edu.au.

Video: Intruders caught on camera kicking door in

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Josie sent this video to Everything Geraldton with the following caption:

"Anyone know these fellas? They left their wallet, I would like to return it to them."

If you can identify the people in the footage please call Geraldton Police on 9923 4555. 

At around 2:50 in the video you can witness them kicking the door in. 

 

Geraldton Police asking for public assistance to track down this person: Georgina Lee Walley

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Geraldton Police are actively seeking the current whereabouts of Georgina Lee Walley (pictured).

They believe that she will be able to assist in ongoing police inquiries.

If you can assist please contact Geraldton Police on 99234555 or Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000.

Reminder: Removal of dead trees this weekend for safety reasons

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Reminder: Removal of dead trees this weekend for safety reasons

Parts of Fitzgerald Street in Beachlands will be closed on 30 and 31 January due to the removal of two large dead trees in the area.

One of the trees to be removed is located between Augustus and Stanley Streets and the other is located just south of Alice Street.

The City is always reluctant to remove trees as they add to the liveability of the City. However in this case, the trees are dead and pose a serious risk to pedestrians, motorists and homes.

Because of the height of the trees, specialist equipment will be brought up from Perth. The trunks will be cut into transportable lengths and stored at the depot for future use.

Traffic management will be in place from 7.30am - 3.30pm on Saturday 30 January and 9.00am-5.30pm on Sunday 31 January.

Woman accused of murdering her baby makes plea offer

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Tamara Louise Thompson, who is charged with murdering her five-month old baby, has made a plea offer to the prosecution.

Jessica Milward from the Geraldton Guardian has the story: http://www.geraldtonguardian.com.au/?30679983

84 year old woman's home robbed while volunteering at Nazareth house

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Family of a woman who was robbed today have contacted Everything Geraldton to ask for the public's assistance in tracking down her valuables. 

The 84 year old Drummond Cove resident was robbed while out of the home for only a couple of hours. She was volunteering at Nazareth House. 

"Feeling gutted. Some low life has broken into my Mum's house in Drummond Cove this morning in broad daylight while she was out volunteering at Nazareth house. Mum is 84 years old. They have raided her house and stolen her EEPC laptop, jewellery with sentimental value, cash and a collection of old round 50c pieces. Jewellery includes an eternity ring and 2 pearl necklaces. Please share."

"Mum has been an active volunteer in Geraldton ever since moving here in 1968. As a matter of fact, today is the anniversary of our arrival in Australia."

Images of some of the jewellery that was stolen is posted above. 

If you can assist at all please call Geraldton police on 9923 4555.